Mania and the Moon*

The influence of heavenly bodies upon human beings has been claimed since earliest recorded time, and numerous studies have been undertaken to either verify or disprove these hypotheses. One of the commonest assumptions emphasized in a recent article by Sarton, is the ancient conception that the full moon produces agitation, excitement and even maniacal outbursts in mental patients. Sarton was surprised at this belief being currently held in the Island of St. Vincent. However, it is still prevalent among many attendants and nurses in American hospitals today.

The problem as to any effect of the moon, at any time, upon the human mind is a difficult one to approach; but it seems of interest to consider the limited aspect of the question as regards the effect of the full moon in the causation of excitement in mental patients. It may be felt that such a problem is partially an astrological one; but until accurate evidence is obtained either for or against such a theory, we must be content with the words of Spencer, “There is no bar to knowledge greater than contempt prior to examination.”

The real interest of such a study at the present time lies in attempting to understand why such a superstition should even develop at all.

In discussing any type of general belief it is important to limit its scope, insofar as possible, as all superstitions present numerous ramifications. Certain studies have been cited by Sarton to raise the question of the influence of the moon upon terrestrial life in general. However, in this communication we are concerned only with the specific problem of the effect of the full moon upon the mind of mankind, and we will omit the very intriguing but non-relevant discussions covered at length in other articles concerning problems of lunar influence on weather, crops, animal life, etc.

Having thus specifically delineated the problem, let us first determine the prevalence of this general belief. In the earliest literature we find references to the influen